Because they don't grow as large as green iguanas and tend to remain docile, green water dragons from SE Asia have surged in popularity. Sailfin lizards and basilisks with their dorsal and caudal crests are the most dragon looking of the lizards and make outstanding displays. This compact book offers simple instructions for raising and breeding these impressive lizards. A must for anyone who has fantasized about having a dragon in their home
In recent years, herpetoculturists have been fortunate in having the opportunity to keep and work with some of the large agamid lizards from southeast Asia, notably green water dragons and the Philippine Sailfin lizards. This book is dedicated to the care, maintenance, and breeding of these Asian lizards in captivity. In addition, a section has been included on the basilisk lizards of the New World.
The Lizard Keeper’s Manual by Philippe de Vosjoli intends to provide real detailed information for all devoted lizard owners who wish to provide the very best of care for their pets. The author states in the foreword, “In terms of the herpetoculture of reptiles, the keeping of lizards is probably the most challenging.” He explains that “Lizards demonstrate a great diversity of adaptations and specializations,” and thus keepers need the very best advice and soundest information possible, which is what The Lizard Keeper’s Manual provides to its readers. In over 200 pages, this colorful volume analyzes the needs of insect-eating lizards, of which there are literally thousands of species. Some lizards (the ones with generic housing and dietary requirements) are easy to maintain, though others have very specific needs (in terms of temperature, diet, humidity, etc.). As stated in the introduction, “The purpose of this book is to give herpetoculturists, both beginners and those more experienced, as well as pet industry personnel, a broad base of knowledge that will allow them to successfully keep a variety of insect-eating lizards.” Colorfully illustrated, The Lizard Keeper’s Manual provides chapter-length coverage on the following topics: selecting the right species of lizard, locating and purchasing a healthy lizard, quarantine and acclimation, types of vivaria, enclosures, vivarium design, heating, cooling/hibernation, lighting, humidity/ventilation, feeding/nutrition, handling, shipping/receiving, and diseases and disorders. The author recommends a number of excellent species for keepers, including geckos, chameleons, skinks, agamids, monitors, anoles, basilisks, as well as other large and miniature species. The chapter titled “Essential Concepts” is a crash course in herpetology, offering the reader an overview of the ontogeny (life stages), climatic and landscape factors, diet, water, and diseases of the lizard family. The chapter “General Guidelines for Popular Insect-Eating Lizards,” which covers over thirty different lizards in terms of their requirements and descriptions, is an outstanding resource for lizard keepers looking to expand the population of their vivaria. Appendices and index included.
Keeping giant snakes requires large caging and the knowledge of certain procedures for safe handling and maintenance. Husbandry and captive breeding of this popular species is covered in great detail. The original AFH guidelines for responsible ownership and handling of large pythons are included. A chapter presents information on other giant pythons with similar care. Although a black and white book, it remains one of the best on the subject
Big, green, scaly, and surprisingly cuddly, a well-adjusted iguana is like a cross between large, friendly dog and an independent cat. On the other hand, a poorly trained iguana can be a living nightmare. With his muscular, three-to-four-foot-long tail and 116-120 razor-sharp teeth, a nasty iguana can be a genuine danger to life, limb and property. Iguanas require a constant 90-degree Fahrenheit environment and lots of room to range around in. Iguanas For Dummies lets you take a long, well-informed look before leaping into the exotic world of iguanas. Written by one of the most respected experts on the care and feeding of iguanas, this fun, entertaining book fills you in on everything you need to know to successfully adopt, nurture, live with and love an iguana. You’ll discover how to: Decide if an iguana is right for you Feed and house your iguana properly Keep your iguana healthy Bond with your scaly friend Integrate your green amigo into your life Socialize and train your mini-dinosaur Ideal for first-time and veteran iguana owners alike, Iguanas For Dummies is a gold mine of advice, guidance and tested-in-the-trenches tips on: Iguanas 101: history, anatomy, physiology and different species What you should know and what to look for when shopping for an iguana Housing your iguana—includes tips on buying or building an enclosure and how to create a safe environment for a free-roaming iguana How to feed your iguana and how often Health issues, concerns and treatments Breeding iguanas for fun and profit Whether you’re thinking about getting an iguana, or you already have a whole herd of big green herbivores, this fun, friendly guide will answer all your questions.
